“We’re proud of you.”
“I appreciate that.”
Then Noah simply returned to the grill and flipped the hamburgers.
The conversation was over.
THE BIRTHDAY SPEECH
The afternoon moved forward awkwardly.
Eventually, I carried out the cake.
Eighteen candles.
Everyone crowded around the picnic table.
Someone shouted,
“Speech!”
Noah shook his head.
“I don’t really have—”
“Oh, come on!”
He laughed.
Then he looked around the yard.
His eyes stopped on me.
The smile disappeared.
Slowly, Noah stood.
“Actually…”
His voice changed.
“There is something I need to say.”
Everyone quieted.
“I’ve been carrying something for ten years.”
My heart stumbled.
He looked directly at me.
“I should have given it to you a long time ago, Aunt Elena.”
